Written by

Gregory Korte
| USA TODAY

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said the Senate will "hit pause" on the gun bill while senators see if they can find a workable compromise on strengthening background checks on gun purchases.

Reid, D-Nev., said he consulted with President Obama and agreed "the best way to pass a background check bill is to hit pause," which will "allow senators to keep negotiating."

One possible way forward: A broader exemption for rural areas that would allow those who don't live near a federally licensed dealer to buy guns at gun shows or over the Internet without a background check. ...